FunThingsToDoOnYourWayToSchool0

Looking back, childhood mornings were never easy. They always started with a piercing 6 am “NEEEE! NEEEE! NEEEE!” followed by, “ARE YOU UP YET?! You’ve got TEN seconds to get out of that bed before I come in there! TEN… NINE…”

Then came the drawn-out hot shower, falling back to sleep on the bed in a towel, waking up again in a panic, then rushing through the rest just to sprint down the street to catch the bus… But that’s where the good stuff comes in.

The ride or walk to school is the perfect window of time to relax, socialize, and have some fun with friends before you have to put on your thinking cap for the day. Always take advantage of this time and make it something to really look forward to! Here are some ideas on what to do on your way to school…

Take pictures! If you don’t have a camera phone or a digital camera, go old-school with a disposable from the drug store. Each week, pick a theme like trees or cars or animals. Take pictures of things you find beautiful or funny or just plain weird. Have fun with it! After you have a solid album, you can create a scrapbook or a collage for your locker.

Sing with the group. Sing your favorite pop songs or even classic sing-alongs like “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall“. When everyone knows the words and joins in, it creates a sense of camaraderie and community.

Play the “Favorites” game. “What’s your favorite show?” “What’s your favorite food?” “…animal?” “…school subject?” Get each person to come up with a subject and let everyone join in with their favorites. This game creates an opportunity to learn more about your friends while sharing your interests as well. And it never grows tired because the subjects are limitless!

Draw together! Choose a subject and get all your friends to draw it. Afterwards you can vote on who’s drawing is best, most colorful, weirdest, funniest, etc. Be imaginative and get creative. A little competition will keep it exciting.

Bottom line? Mornings don’t have to be the pits. Once you’re out of bed, be sure to make the very best of your day. There are tons of fun things to do on a school bus, in a car, or for all you lucky ones that get to walk. We want to hear your favorite way to make your trek to school or work playful. Let us know in the comments below and keep checking back for more back to school pointers!